Shikakai Benefits for Hair: Natural Alternative to Shampoos

Shikakai Benefits for Hair: The All in One Hair Care

Shikakai, also known as "fruit for hair," has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a natural hair cleanser and conditioner. This plant-based ingredient is believed to be gentle on the scalp and effective in promoting healthy hair growth. Shikakai contains saponins, which are natural surfactants that can cleanse the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils, as well as antioxidants that can help to prevent hair damage and reduce dandruff.

Here are some benefits of shikakai for hair

Soft and shiny

Shikakai makes hair soft and shiny due to the saponins, anti-oxidants, and vitamins present in it. It dramatically improves hair texture and makes it smooth. It is a good conditioner.

Prevents dandruff

Shikakai has anti-fungal and moisturising properties, which help in getting rid of dandruff for a long time.

Prevents scalp drying

Shikakai is a gentle cleanser that stimulates natural oil secretion, moisturising the scalp and getting rid of dryness. The natural oils soothe dry and irritated skin. Shikakai also decreases itchiness and any scalp inflammation to heal your scalp.

Hair growth

Shikakai strengthens your tresses and boosts their growth. It is filled with anti-oxidants that help protect your hair and scalp from the damage caused by free radicals. Shikakai is also rich in many micronutrients which nourish your scalp and enhance hair growth.

Prevents split ends

Harsh chemical treatments, dry weather, straightening, UV radiation, and free radicals cause split ends. Shikakai neutralises the effect of these extreme conditions, chemicals, treatments, and free radicals. It also moisturises hair which prevents split ends from occurring.

Detangles

Shikakai conditions hair, smoothens it, which helps in detangling your hair. It decreases hair breakage caused due to tangles and frizzy hair. Even if you have curly hair, shikakai will help get rid of tangles without any hair fall and vigorous brushing.

Delays grey hair

While some adore and flaunt salt and pepper look, it is not the same case for everyone. In the mechanical, busy, and stressful lives we live, premature greying has become more common. Shikakai helps in keeping premature grey hair at bay and heals the scalp to reverse greying.

Cleanser

Shikakai is not a harsh scalp cleanser, yet it is a mild cleanser that protects your scalp and keeps its natural oil. It cleanses all the dirt and impurities and makes hair frizz-free, and prevents dryness.

Gets rid of lice

Lice is a problem for everyone, whether you have it or not. You are most likely to get lice at some point if someone around you has it. Shikakai helps to get rid of hair lice and such scalp parasites.

Soothes scalp

Shikakai has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which keep away scalp problems like dandruff, eczema, and itchy scalp. It soothes the skin and calms down any irritation or inflammation on the scalp.

How to use Shikakai for hair?

You can make your simple shikakai shampoo at home without much budget and effort. Soak a few shikakai pods, seedless reetha, fenugreek seeds, and dried amla together in a bowl of warm water overnight. The following morning, boil all of them together till they become soft. This would take somewhere around 10-20 minutes. Let it cool down completely and strain the water. Now use thighs water to wash your hair to see soft, conditioned, and nourished hair.

You can alternatively make shikakai oil by mixing one cup of almond oil with two cups of coconut oil along with two or three spoons of shikakai powder. Pour the oil and shikakai powder mixture into a bottle, shake it well, and let it sit for 110-15 days before using this hair oil.

Is Shikakai good for hair?

Yes, shikakai is considered to be good for hair . It's a natural alternative to commercial shampoos that can contain harsh chemicals that strip the hair of its natural oils. Shikakai is believed to be gentle on the scalp, while still effectively cleansing and conditioning the hair. It's also rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants that can help to nourish the hair and improve its overall health. If you're looking for a natural way to care for your hair, shikakai is definitely worth considering!

How long does it take for shikakai to work?

The time it takes for shikakai to work on your hair may vary depending on your individual hair type and the specific hair concerns you're trying to address. Some people may notice a difference in the texture and appearance of their hair after just one use, while for others it may take a few weeks of consistent use to see results. It's important to note that shikakai is a natural ingredient, so it may take longer to work than commercial hair products that contain synthetic ingredients. However, the benefits of shikakai are believed to be long-lasting and can help to improve the overall health of your hair over time.

Shikakai vs Bhringraj for hair

Shikakai and Bhringraj are both natural ingredients that have been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for hair care. Shikakai is known for its cleansing and conditioning properties, while Bhringraj is known for its ability to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.

Shikakai is rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants that can help to nourish and strengthen the hair, while Bhringraj contains proteins and minerals that can improve hair texture and thickness.

Both ingredients can be used in hair care products or as part of a hair care routine, depending on your individual hair needs. The choice between the two will depend on your hair concerns and personal preferences. If you're looking to cleanse and condition your hair while maintaining its natural oils, shikakai may be the better option. If you're looking to promote hair growth and improve hair texture, Bhringraj may be the better choice.

Take Away

Shikakai works wonders for hair. It has several benefits for hair, such as preventing dandruff, cleansing the scalp and hair, getting rid of lice, conditioning hair, and many more. This article discusses shikakai, its benefits for hair, and how to use it for hair.

FAQs

Q: Can shikakai cause hair fall?

A: No, shikakai is considered to be a gentle and natural alternative to commercial shampoos that can contain harsh chemicals. It's unlikely to cause hair fall when used properly.

Q: Does shikakai reduce hair loss?

A: Yes, shikakai is believed to be effective in reducing hair loss by strengthening the hair roots and improving blood circulation to the scalp.

Q: Can I use shampoo after shikakai?

A: Yes, you can use shampoo after shikakai. However, it's recommended to use a mild shampoo that's free from harsh chemicals to avoid undoing the benefits of using shikakai.

References

10 REASONS WHY SHIKAKAI IS GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR, by Swathi Iyer, on

Sep 25, 2017